The new 5G radio standard is intended to make our communication and data transmission considerably faster and more efficient. For this to be possible, a sufficient number of transmission masts are needed. In a seminar held in the Department of Architecture at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, participants discussed the possible design of these masts. For their models, the students have opted for the environmentally friendly material wood. The best designs are currently being constructed. Over the next few weeks, it is planned to install them as part of a pilot project in Kaiserslautern.

5G transmission masts have to be distributed throughout the entire area in order to ensure reliable data transmission. In order not to adversely affect the cityscape, prospective architects have dealt with this topic in a seminar. "They had the opportunity to imagine what the streets of the future will look like," says junior professor Christopher Robeller, who heads the Digital Timber Construction Working Group at TUK. "They designed their models of an environmentally friendly 5G base station out of wood." The Finnish company Ecotelligent Ltd. is also involved in the project and specialises in the development and construction of environmentally friendly wooden telecommunication masts and systems. "All of the students' designs were excellent," Robeller continued. "Yet we had to choose the three best designs."

The Finnish company is currently further developing these designs. These so-called smart masts will then be installed as part of a pilot phase in Kaiserslautern. Therefore the team around Robeller and Ecotelligent cooperates with KL.digital GmbH, an IT company of the city of Kaiserslautern. This summer, citizens will be asked to choose the best model. If the masts meet expectations, it is possible to use them in other cities all over the world in the future.

"Cities still have to find out how to incorporate environmental impact and urban aesthetics," says Robeller. Wood makes an ideal material in this respect. The students have considered this in their designs: The technology is hidden, but at the same time the city' s aesthetic image is taken into account. These smart masts can be used at many locations, for example at intersections. Here they can also include additional sensors for intelligent traffic control.

Wood offers a further advantage: Compared to steel masts, the production process produces little or no CO2. In a next step, it would also be possible to dispense with steel connectors such as nails and screws for complex structures in which the masts could also be installed. How this can be guaranteed is currently being investigated by the team around the architect from Kaiserslautern. Automatic carpentry machines may be used for this purpose, which can easily process the wood based on the corresponding software specifications.